I grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY; and though I didn’t take to reading at a young age, I was fascinated with animals. My parents would say you couldn’t keep them away from me. I also enjoyed drawing and painting and spent long hours in the backyard capturing my vision of animals and nature on paper.

I loved the thought of working with animals, especially otters, so I headed off to college. After receiving my BS in Zoology from Texas A & M University, I started work in the veterinary field.

My creative spark grew while helping animals at the clinics and volunteering at the zoological gardens, so I began filing ideas and stories in my head. The birth of my children fueled that fire, and I started writing those stories for children, using nature as an outlet to teach them about various issues and entertain them at the same time.

I had many imaginary friends as a child. I don’t remember their names, but I occasionally still talk to them. I call them my characters.

I didn’t learn to swim until I was 12 years old. I was terrified of the water. Now, I love to swim, and would gladly swim with otters, given a chance.

I love roller coasters and cotton candy.

In my first year of college, I went cave exploring in Mexico with my Biology professor and some students. We all suffered from Histoplasmosis afterward but had the opportunity to aid in the discovery of a new invertebrate.

I hate making my bed. I just don’t see the point.

I am a Geek, and therefore, I love all things geeky.

The names I choose for my characters usually have a reason, e.g., I named the Squirrely Over Nuts protagonist, Carol, because Sciurus carolinensis is the scientific name for the Eastern Grey Squirrel.

I like to illustrate animals from abnormal viewpoints. Some illustrations are from below or behind the animal.

I usually sit cross-legged at my desk. Unfortunately, my legs fall asleep when I have been working for a long time.

You may see me traipsing through a field in Clarence, NY. As a Bluebird Ambassador for the NYS Bluebird Society, I monitor Bluebird nest boxes during the breeding season and educate the community on Bluebird conservation. Feel free to say, “Hi.”

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